Arsenal youth goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was spotted training with the first-team ahead of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup clash with Doncaster Rovers.
Okonkwo has been with the Arsenal youth academy for a long time now, and was first named on the bench for the u18s when he was still an u15 player.
Still just 16 years old, the Nigerian-born youngster has also been on the bench for the u18s on four occasions this season already.
On Tuesday, however, Okonkwo trained with the first-team, according to youth expert Jeorge Bird.
Schoolboy goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who has been on the bench for the U18s, also trained with the first-team.
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) September 19, 2017
David Ospina also trained ahead of his expected start, and Jeorge later confirmed that Matt Macey was also in first-team training, as the most likely ‘keeper to be on the bench against Doncaster.
Iliev and Macey in first-team training as well.
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) September 19, 2017
So, it doesn’t seem as if Okonkwo is going to get any first-team action just yet, but nonetheless I believe it will be a good experience for the youngster to face up against the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.
He’s considered a talented goalkeeper and could well be seen in the first-team again if he can continue his development at youth level.